Good Bespoke-Plus-Orthopedic Shoes in Northeast US?

[bigguyinct]

I was wondering if anyone can help me find a shoe maker who both makes nice shoes and can accommodate some "special" needs? I have very big and wide feet and currently wear orthotic inserts for arch support and heel alignment. I have had a heck of a time finding anything pre-made that fits comfortably and accommodates the the inserts without squeaking.

I have embraced the idea of getting bespoke shoes and have started to research things. I noticed that the James Taylor and Son website seems to feature both great looking bespoke shoes and knowledge of orthopedic techniques... sounds perfect for my needs, except for that Atlantic Ocean in the way. I am in Connecticut, USA. Can anyone recommend a bespoke maker nearer to me who would be able to deal with the issues my ortics deal with (or with the orthotics themselves)?

Any help will be sincerely appreciated.

 

[Hard2Fit]

FWIW, baby powder usually takes care of the squeaking.

 

[Concordia]

I don't know if Perry Ercolino has particular competence with orthotics, but he does wind through Connecticut occasionally and he is quite thorough in his measurement/fitting process. He's also a good guy to deal with.

FWIW, his shoes when executed well have even a bit more support than I've had from Cleverley (with which I am very happy), and a fair bit more than I've seen from several other bespoke makers.

 

[Connemara]

Ask josepidal how his bespoke medical clogs turned out.

 

[LabelKing]

Oliver Moore perhaps?

 

[NoVaguy]

vogel in nyc?

 

[dopey]

I would also suggest Ercolino, based on extensive discussions I have had with him about this very issue. I would also suggest Janne-Erik Melkersson, based on personal experience, but I don't think he is traveling to the US any more. Paul Davies, the London Shoemaker, can also do some orthopedic corrections and he travels to the US regularly. You should certainly speak with him.

Any of the bespoke shoemakers will be able to accommodate your existing orthotics.

 

[Concordia]

Dopey touches on a good point, which is that pretty much all of the usual English suspects and a few Italian ones can meet you in NYC, if that's not too far out of your way. If Boston is easier, you can still see Cleverley, Lobb St. James, and Gaziano & Girling there.

 

[fritzl]

Originally Posted by dopey

Paul Davies, the London Shoemaker, can also do some orthopedic corrections and he travels to the US regularly.
He lives in the US now.

 

[janne melkersson]

bigguyinct
There is a maker in Granby, Connecticut, Julian (Bill) Niemczyk. He is mostly making cowboy boots so I am not sure if he takes shoe orders. If not ask him to make you a pair of lasts and I can, if you like make the shoes for you. I will need the lasts and the plaster cast of your feet. Or, I can guide you through a self-measuring form and we can take it from there.

Dopey,
Hopefully I will have the chance to make the trip to New York again but I am afraid I can not say when.

 

[shoefan]

You might also want to contact Rob Elferink at http://www.euroshoe-boston.com/ Rob is a trained orthopedic shoemaker, having completed a 5 year program in Europe and working here in the USA for quite a while. He only makes a few shoes each year, as he does a lot of consulting for the shoe industry, but it might be worth contacting him. Also, there is Dan Freeman in Middlebury, VT. I don't believe he has a web site but can be found on Anywho. ps I think Rob is in Europe right now, so he might not respond immediately.

 

[bigguyinct]

Thanks to everyone for the information. Right now the $2 answer - talc to stop my orthotics from squeaking - has saved the day, so big thanks to Hard2Fit for that tip. I will get shoes made one of these days, though, darn it!

 

[bobg]

If you get any positive referrals please pass them on to me. I live in Richmond, VA.
I have Alden Orthopedid CDL and PW Minor modified but they still do not fit and are not attractive